Analysis of the Electromechanical Characteristics of Power Transformer under Different Residual Fluxes

When the electromagnetic transients occur in a power transformer, an inrush current is generated in its winding. The inrush current not only affects the performance of the transformer windings, but also affects the lifetime of the transformer. Many factors affect the inrush current, the most influential ones among which are the closing phase angle and the residual flux. In this paper, a dry-type transformer simulation model is built to analyze the influence of the inrush current on the performance of transformer windings during no-load reclosing conditions. Firstly, the inrush current was generated in the transformer windings during the no-load reclosing operation under different residual fluxes. Secondly, the field-circuit coupling 3d finite element method is used to analyze the electromagnetic force at different locations of the transformer windings under the influence of different inrush currents. The results of winding structural parameter variations are obtained through electromagnetic-structural coupling simulation, and the electromagnetic forces are used as the input parameter for the structural analysis. Finally, the residual flux is generated by controlling the opening and closing angle of the transformer through the phase-controlled switch, and the winding electromechanical characteristics are tested under different residual fluxes. Finally, comparisons of the test and simulation results are drawn to verify the impact of the closing angle and residual flux on inrush current and the winding deformation during the no-load reclosing conditions.

Variable Speed Drive DC-Bus Voltage Dip Proofing

This paper proposes a power electronic module that uses a switched capacitor for retaining the integrity of the dc-link voltage of a variable speed drive (VSD) during a 0.2 s short-term power interruption (STPI). Ride-through was achieved through switched capacitor onto the dc bus. However, this technique presents a challenge of the high inrush currents during a ride through compensation. In this work both analytical and experimental investigations were conducted in order to reduce the in-rush currents and its impact on the performance of the VSD during the STPI. Inrush peak currents were reduced by approximately 90%. Experimental results showed torque pulsations of 12.8% and 14.3% at the start and end of dc-link voltage compensation, respectively. A method for sizing the switched capacitor and the inrush limiting resistors is proposed. This methodology is based on the use of readily available nameplate information of the VSD and the electric motor. The proposed module can be retrofitted to existing VSDs that are based on v/f control.

Discrimination of Transformer Inrush Currents and Internal Fault Currents Using Extended Kalman Filter Algorithm (EKF)

The discrimination of inrush currents and internal fault currents in transformers is an important feature of a transformer protection scheme. The harmonic current restrained feature is used in conventional differential relay protection of transformers. A literature survey shows that the discrimination between the inrush currents and internal fault currents is still an area that is open to research. In this paper, the classification of internal fault currents and magnetic inrush currents in the transformer is performed by using an extended Kalman filter (EKF) algorithm. When a transformer is energized under normal conditions, the EKF estimates the primary side winding current and, hence, the absolute residual signal (ARS) value is zero. The ARS value will not be equal to zero for internal fault and inrush phenomena conditions; hence, the EKF algorithm will be used for discriminating the internal faults and inrush faults by keeping the threshold level to the ARS value. The simulation results are compared with the theoretical analysis under various conditions. It is also observed that the detection time of internal faults decreases with the severity of the fault. The results of various test cases using the EKF algorithm are presented. This scheme provides fast protection of the transformer for severe faults.

Research of the Negative Influence of Dimmed LED Luminaires in Context of Smart Installations

This article deals with the investigation of the negative impacts of dimmed public, industrial and office LED (light emitting diode) light installations. This approach is required due to the uncertain design of LED ballasts, while manufacturers do not implement the required PFC (power factor correction) function. Therefore, the focus is on a brief description of the principles of negative influences such as: low power factor, high inrush current and high total harmonic distortion based on direct confrontation with actual standards (IESC EN, NEMA, ENERGY STAR). Further, the behavior of LED drivers is explained under nominal load and dimmed up to critical level. Presented findings confirm issues reported by users from larger installations where LED fittings are dimmed over a certain level. The article includes recommendations for consumers and producers of LED fittings about main issues from the scientific and user points of view. Presented facts conclude on the necessity of studying the marginal operating state of LED fittings aiming at THD (total harmonic distortion), PF (real power factor) and inrush currents.

Residual flux impact in controlled switching of HVDC converter transformer

Converter transformers are an interface point of HVDC frameworks and are basic hardware from activity and reliability view point. Converter transformers are turned off intentionally under planned support and un-deliberately during fault conditions. Random energization of HVDC Converter transformer delivers high inrush currents due to core saturation asymmetries and endanger equipment health. In this paper, charging approach has been proposed. By utilizing point on wave exchanging for moderation of charging drifters during charging of 888 MVA 400/325 kV Converter Transformer of ±800 kV HVDC Sub-station. The proposed procedure has been applied on HVAC electrical Circuit Breaker furnished with Pre-Insertion Resistor considering diverse degree of residual flux. Performance of proposed philosophy has been affirmed by field tests and reproduction in PSCAD programming package and is found very viable. Near investigation is done in this paper and shows that with the use of proposed system, the switching transient during stimulation and field tests of coupled three phase converter transformers is decreased to worthy level.